Kathy Zhou

Kathy Zhou’s music blurs the boundaries of genre, with traces of pop, rock, vintage folk, theatre, and classical. Her work has been described as “mesmerizing,” evoking the feeling of being on a stormy island, in a colorful nightmare, or in a dramatic storybook. Kathy is known for her unique, engaging, playing style, which marries her classical piano prowess with moments of improvisational, rock-inspired shredding. Her signature sound combines her instrumental virtuosity with witty, imaginative lyrics and haunting, whimsical vocals. Each piece keeps audiences on their toes with unique twists and unexpected turns. A typical song could start out sounding like a soothing ballad, only to deceptively cut into a fiery stanza of intense flying piano keys and raw, passionate vocals.

Originally from California, Kathy began formal piano training at the age of 7. She spent her childhood training in the classical repertoire and winning nationwide competitions. Kathy then took a break from music when she began her studies at UCLA. While on campus, she exercised her creativity by founding a performing arts outreach club providing students at low income secondary schools opportunities to study theatre and music. The success of this organization led her to join Teach For America in Arkansas after graduation. While teaching high school in rural Arkansas, Kathy was exposed to Memphis, TN’s vibrant musical scene and creative community. She would drive into the city almost weekly to attend choir rehearsals and live shows. Those years planted the seeds in her eventually performing as a non-classical musician. Kathy then moved overseas and taught English in France for two years. When it came time to return to the states, moving to Memphis to pursue writing and performing music was an easy decision.

Kathy released “Strange Child” in 2022. The song's accompanying music video was a finalist in the 2023 Indie Memphis Film Festival. “Strange Child” is a piano-powered, theatrical, folk-rock tale retelling a nightmare Kathy had as a child. The nightmare takes place on a movie-set-like landscape and features a mystical witch, innocent animals, and a younger Kathy. As the song progresses, chaos ensues when the witch gets a subtle eerily fiery attitude and decides to wreak havoc upon the poor creatures around her. The song is powered by Kathy’s piano and vocal narration, and showcases an eclectic mix of instruments, giving the song a uniquely eerie, colorful, rock feel.

In 2024, Kathy’s live performance of “Strange Child” placed in the regional semifinals of the annual statewide Tennessee Songwriters Week competition.

In 2025, Kathy released “Storm Eulogy,” an epic, piano-powered cinematic ghost story featuring a haunting violin and moving bass, colored by nature and film imagery (think: Mitski + Regina Spektor with a vivid, movie soundtrack-like feel). Inspired by elements of a classical piano sonata, the piece takes you through distinct twists, sudden crashes, and dramatic, unexpected turns. Written during a heavy rainstorm, the song is a reflection of difficult patterns in past relationships. But it's ultimately about moving forward and embracing all that is present in spite of all the harsh winds and heavy storms of our past.

Outside of writing, releasing, and producing her original songs, Kathy specializes in a variety of live performances. From entertaining audiences with lively piano cover requests to sharing songs in an intimate songwriter circle, all her performances bring a unique element of Avant-garde magic and engagement.